Robert H. Ireland

Robert Howard Ireland, age 84 of Goshen, Ind., and a longtime former Sturgis resident, passed away early Thursday morning, Nov. 8, 2012, at his home.

Robert Howard Ireland, age 84 of Goshen, Ind., and a longtime former Sturgis resident, passed away early Thursday morning, Nov. 8, 2012, at his home.

He was born May 24, 1928, in Toronto, Canada, a son of the late Alfred and Edith (Pearcy) Ireland.

Mr. Ireland moved to Goshen to be closer to his daughter. Prior to relocating to Goshen, he resided in Sturgis since 1950, coming from Toronto. For several years, he enjoyed spending six months of the year in Tarpon Springs, Fla.

For 47 1/2 years he was married to Muriel "Laurie" Ross, until her death on Oct. 27, 1995.

Mr. Ireland retired from Kirsch Company in Sturgis following 34 years of dedicated employment.

He is survived by a daughter, Christine Montgomery of Goshen; two sons, Craig (Nancy) Ireland of Temple, Texas, and Cary (Laurie) Ireland of Sturgis; 10 grandchildren, Brianna, Damon, Samantha, Alexis, Tyler, Tanna, Brayden, Brittanee, Shannon and Ryan. He also has six great-grandchildren; a stepson, Royce McCullough of Sturgis; a brother, Thomas Ireland of Toronto; and several nieces and nephews.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 1–3 p.m. Saturday at Hackman Family Funeral Homes — Rosenberg Chapel, 907 E. Chicago Road, Sturgis. Private burial of the ashes will take place at a later date at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis.

The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Ireland's memory consider the charity of one's choice.

The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.